20 Quotes Of Wisdom About Medication For ADHD

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs and the side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a brain chemical that regulates behavior and attention.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults who use it. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and should be taken 3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken once a day.

These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea and a decrease in appetite. They can also make people irritable or moody, but these effects generally disappear over time and are usually managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are often misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are many non-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective depends on the person. These prescription medications don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to kick in and last for only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping strategies like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or through practice with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn website these techniques to help their child or adult with ADHD. In certain cases, a combination between medication and therapy could be the best option.